Abstract (in English)

The spirit of a place may be experienced differently in
the same society. The example of the old city of Damascus (Syria) inscribed on the World Heritage List, is significant in this respect. In fifteen years alone, more than one hundred
restaurants have been allowed in the old houses with patios,
when there were none before. Many involve
architectural adaptations clumsy. The economic, social and cultural balance of historic cities is yet so fragile that the soul of the city is in danger when the weight of one of its components becomes excessive. An integrated conservation and development plan is been studied at the moment and the rehabilitation of existing residential housing become necessary.